Disk Replacement Surgery in Altamonte Springs

Lower back pain and neck pain decrease a person’s quality of life. Those with neck pain sometimes cope with headaches, migraines, and numbness in their hands. Sometimes, non-invasive pain management methods like pain medication, physical therapy, or massage can reduce pain or eliminate it for a while. However, when pain occurs from degenerative disk disease, patients eventually need to take further action to get relief.

If you are suffering from pain in your cervical or lumbar spine, disk replacement surgery is one option to potentially relieve pain in the neck and lower back. Disk replacement surgery involves your surgeon removing degenerated disks and replacing them with implants. Take action to reduce your pain by consulting with an experienced back and spine specialist about disk replacement surgery in Altamonte Springs. 

What Qualifies a Candidate for Disk Replacement Surgery?

Disk replacement surgery is a common treatment for chronic back and neck pain resulting from degenerative disc disease. Not all patients who suffer chronic pain are good candidates for replacement. You can expect your surgeon to gather information about your medical history and perform some tests to decide whether you qualify. Tests typically include CT scans, X-rays, discography, and MRIs.

Some of the things surgeons look for to clear someone for a disk replacement surgery include:

• One or two hard disks in the lower back
• No compression of the spinal canal
• No previous major spinal surgeries
• No deformities in the spine
• Healthy body weight

If you aren’t a good candidate for disk replacement surgery, your surgeon will discuss other potential back or neck pain treatments.

How Do Surgeons Perform Disk Replacement Surgery?

Disk replacement surgery requires general anesthesia and usually takes two to three hours. The time you are in surgery often depends on whether you have more than one disk replaced. Your surgeon will make a small incision in your abdomen to begin the procedure. Once the damaged disk(s) is removed, the surgeon places a new artificial disc into the open space. Disk replacement is major surgery, so patients can expect to remain hospitalized for a few days for post-operative care.

However, many patients can leave the hospital sooner, even on the same day. Your surgeon will want to have you walking within an hour after your anesthesia wears off. Once you return home, you proceed with most regular activities. You will have weight restrictions for lifting, typically it’s recommended that you do not lift more than 20 pounds until your surgeon clears you.

Types of Artificial Disks

Artificial disks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. The material has an impact on the success of your surgery. Disks must not cause allergic reactions or harm other parts of the spinal column. Currently, there are four types of disks:

• Composite: These implants typically have two metal end plates that surround a plastic spacer.
• Elastic: Artificial elastic type disks typically have two titanium end plates that surround a rubber or silicone core.
• Hydraulic: These replacement disks have a gel-like core covered with polyethylene. They are also soaked in saline solution to provide space between vertebrae.
• Mechanical: Replacement disks of this type include two components of the same material, whether metal or composite.

Your surgeon will discuss the type of replacement disk appropriate for your body and condition. Some types have been more successful than others. Additionally, some types are more suited for the cervical spine than the lumbar spine and vice versa.

Benefits of Undergoing Disk Replacement Surgery

Disk replacement surgery is often an alternative to spinal fusion. Patients often heal faster and have more movement after a disk replacement surgery. Additionally, disk replacement reduces stress on nearby disks and surgeons do not need to use a bone graft. Some of the other major benefits that come with undergoing disk replacement surgery include:

• Removal of the damaged disk
• Restoration of the average disk height
• Reduction of back and neck pain
• Preservation of motion in the affected area of the spinal column
• Improved motion, flexibility, and body function

Disk replacement surgery can help you alleviate pain and get back to your daily life. 

Contact the Experienced Altamonte Springs Spine Doctors at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery Today

Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery offers minimally-invasive spinal treatments, including disk replacement surgery, to patients suffering chronic back or neck pain from degenerative conditions. Our team includes industry leaders in spine surgery. Our experience and success with traditional and new methods have earned us a stellar reputation among our peers. 

The OLSS team is committed to providing the best treatment and care to patients coping with chronic back or neck pain. If you are suffering, we want to help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life.  Contact us today online or at (855) 853-6542 to learn more about disk replacement surgery in Altamonte Springs and if it’s the right treatment for you.